During Lent, many of us choose to fast to let the absence of something remind us to worship and focus on God. Perhaps we decide to give up television, coffee, shopping sprees, or processed sugar in hopes of gaining a better understanding of what it looks like not to feed our every appetite with twenty-first-century comforts.
Often when my soul is needy, I don’t trust in God to meet my needs because I can take a five-minute drive to Target, where my “needs” are met with Starbucks and the dollar section. But during Lent, we are reminded just how needy our souls really are. Those little pick-me-ups don’t satisfy the deep emptiness we may feel. It only masks our real desire for true deliverance from the sin that leaves us hollow and dry.
So, as the people wrestled with the fallout of their sin, Ezekiel is shown a glimpse of what the coming deliverance will look like: a river flowing from the temple of God and “there will be life everywhere the river goes” (Ezekiel 47:9). All vegetation along the bank will thrive. When people come to fish for food, their nets will always return to them full. There will be trees that will never fail to bear fruit from their branches (vv.10–12).
But there is a reason to pause at Ezekiel 47:11, a warning of sorts. There will be swamps and marshes that won’t become healed by the river of life. This could represent people who do not receive the life-giving water of God. Those who seek life outside of God will come to the marshes to be refreshed only to find their water full of salt, further dehydrating their soul.
All of us are thirsty for life. Not the culture’s depiction of life, but abundant life which only comes from experiencing God’s restoration of our weary souls. As Jesus explained: “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life” (John 4:13–14). Jesus is the life-giving water we really desire. When we live from His abundant mercy and grace, our souls will be refreshed.
What good news for us all! And there is still more good news to come.
In Revelation 22:1–3, John is given a vision of the new Eden where a river will flow through the city and bring life and healing to all who draw near to it. There will be a future day when we will find our needs fulfilled for eternity.
So today, during this Lenten season, let us come to Jesus and be refreshed. And when the days feel extra difficult, may we remember the river of life we draw from—the river that is deep; deep enough to satisfy our souls for eternity.
“The water will be healed and everything will be alive” (Ezek 47:9) Dead things come alive with the water. Jesus quenches all the parched throats crying for relief. The sea of chaos becomes a well of life. The darkness is pushed back, making room for joy. Even though my eyes still see the darkness, the unhealed marshes, I am not overwhelmed or fearful. My God, my God, I know you have not forsaken us. We are your inheritance. We are Your people and You are our God. You are my God. You are my life-giving river of healing water. Your majesty rides out victoriously (Psalm 45:4). Your life gave me life. These dead bones have been given the breath of salvation. My mind has been freed from the prison of anxiety and swept clear of the dusty debris. Opened to the Ancient of Days, the prison doors are adorned with the Rose of Sharon, wreathes decorate the door to my heart and I am filled with the joy of Jesus. He showed the way, He is the truth, He is the Word of the Lord. Ears may you hear, eyes may you see, heart may you be comforted by the healing waters of life. Well up in me Jesus. Overflow. Open hands to receive healing, strength to fight the good fight, and come back to life in every affliction that comes with our earth bound reality. Until… Maranatha.
In* not I’m lol
Also– I believe it’s Psalm 46:4-5 not Psalm 45!!!
How I long for the day that is to come!
Jenn– Thank God you are able to share your request here. What a blessing.
Heavenly Father of All Nations,
I lift up this missionary community to you. The devil HATES their beautiful work, but God you love it. God, please help them see You in this mess. Help them trust you — that You will provide for all their needs. God, You promise to restore what is lost. I think of Job, how he received double what he lost. God, you allowed this but God you hate suffering. Thank you that their lives were all spared. Thank you that they have breath. Please comfort them. Give them much wisdom, Lord. Speak life in the places of pain. Let them stay united through this time. Help them see Your goodness in the land of the living. God show them this was for Your glory and their benefit– even though it seems the exact opposite. God, you turn ALL situations around for good. I believe You can for sure do that, here. Do Your will, Father. I pray love and abundant peace, in the name of Jesus— Lord of all!!!! God also, bring justice to the situation and help these thieves see their need for You, too!! I’m the HOLY name of Jesus, I pray!
Wow. What a beautiful devotional, today. I am reminded of post college, the Lord drew me near to Him in a deep spiritual thirst. I knew Him, but I wasn’t living life with Him. God is so wonderful to me. I am thankful He did that. and I am believing that for my sister.
Ashleigh H– I hope your procedure was successful. Was praying :) yes, thank you for your encouragement and prayers. they mean a lot– (sometimes, tone does not translate well in my words through text, lol– I was happy to read your original post) I am trying not to assume things, which is a bad habit of mine, but trust God with the hearts of people I love. God bless you sister<3
Praying for you Jenn
Praying for you all right now, Jenn.
Hello friends. I don’t often post here but am writing to ask prayer. I’m a missionary in Chile and yesterday I (along with 3 members of our team and 2 clients from our pregnancy center) were robbed at gunpoint. PTL they didn’t hurt anyone. But they stole my computer, my cell phone, the computers and cell phone from our ministry, the cell phones of my teammates, wedding rings, smart watches etc. we are pretty traumatized and desperately needing to feel the life-giving flow of water from the Lord today as we try to buy new computers and phones so we can re-open our centre next week. Thank you!